These Surprising Numbers Could Reveal Who REALLY Won The Debate

The Aug. 6 presidential debate hosted by Fox News in Cleveland, Ohio, provoked interest in several candidates, but the one person people were most interested in is Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.

That is according to Google search analytics showing Cruz captured all searches, when compared to other candidates, during his introduction. The senator had 67 percent more searches at his high point than the second-most searched candidate. That is more than any other candidate at any given point during the debate.

Image credit: The Washington Post

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Cruz peaked at his introduction, when the most searched interest surged at 100 percent, far above anyone else during introduction speeches. Cruz’s search power didn’t rise that high again, but maintained a steady pace throughout the two-hour debate. Searching volume is relative to other candidates at the debate.

The second most searched name during introductions was neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson. Carson hit several peaks throughout the event, according to analytics. His opening peaked at around 35 percent, but hit nearly 60 percent when he talked about terror. His closing hit another peak again at around 45 percent, and Carson maintained strong search power in three more peaks after his closing statement.

Businessman Donald Trump had the most sustainable searches throughout the night with an average of 15 searches a minute, compared to Carson with 10 searches every minute. Cruz and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio are next in the averages, followed by Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul. The remaining, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker fell behind in the pack.

Image credit: The Washington Post

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Some particular issues hit well with viewers. Rubio’s statement on business, Bush’s response on Trump’s candidacy, Carson’s statement on Iraq and Kasich’s closing statement went over well and provoked people to search their names. People also searched for Rubio and Carson after the debate ended.

One surprise was in searches after the 5 p.m. debate ended. Searches for businesswoman Carly Fiorina picked up dramatically after her performance in the earlier round with other candidates from the second tier of popularity polling.

Who do you think won the debate? Take our poll and see the results for yourself!